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Month: February 2013

The Big Hospitality Conversation
That the Parliament welcomes the Big Hospitality Conversation summit, hosted by the British Hospitality Association and Springboard, which provides a forum for industry practitioners to meet young people interested in working in the hospitality industry; understands that, in Scotland, the hospitality industry directly employs 220,000 people, which is 9% of all employment; believes that the hospitality industry continues to offer great career opportunities for young people, and recognises what it sees as the determination of the sector to create pathways to work by increasing the number of apprenticeships available.

Highlands and Islands MSPs Jean Urquhart and John Finnie have lodged a Parliamentary motion expressing concern at the “loss of local control and community involvement” on the island of Raasay after the news that fishing and shooting rights on the island have been tendered to a South Ayrshire stalking firm.

The motion, marked for Members’ Business, has already attracted cross-party support among MSPs following national coverage of the Government’s decision to award the lease to South Ayrshire Stalkers, whose bid for the lease was £2000 more than the bid submitted by the Raasay Crofters’ Association who have operated the lease since 1995.

Jean, an Independent MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said:

“This move has sent shockwaves through the local community on Raasay and the Association, who have done an excellent job in developing the facilities on the island since control was given to the community.

“Taking away what has been a successfully controlled lease from the local community cannot be justified on the grounds of ‘best value’, as ‘best value’ surely encompasses more than financial considerations.

“It’s only right and proper that Parliament has a chance to debate the issue of what we really mean by community empowerment and land reform.”

John, also an Independent MSP for the Highlands and Islands, added:

“I was pleased to support Jean’s motion, which highlights the excellent work undertaken by the local community in maintaining and developing facilities on the island.

“While I have no doubt that the successful bidder has only good intentions for Raasay, the principle of community control, particularly where it has a proven record of success, must be upheld, and I hope that this decision can be reviewed.”

Raasay Crofters’ Association
That the Parliament notes with concern the transfer of fishing and shooting rights on the island of Raasay from the Raasay Crofters’ Association to a South Ayrshire stalking firm; further notes that the association, which represents 11 crofters and has paid an annual fee of £650, was set up in 1994 to manage these rights on behalf of the local community; understands that the association held the lease from 1995 until November 2012 and that during that period it made the enterprise a success through its investment in training and facilities; queries if this success, which, it understands, resulted in a profitable butcher’s trade operating on the island, is one of the primary reasons that the lease was put out to tender for the first time in November 2012; understands that the Scottish Government informed the association that ministers were not obliged to accept the highest offer, and expresses concern at what it sees as this loss of local control and community involvement.

Gavin Wallace
That the Parliament notes with sadness the passing of Dr Gavin Wallace, portfolio manager for literature, publishing and language at Creative Scotland; understands that Gavin began his career at the literary magazineCencrastus in 1991, becoming the co-editor of the Edinburgh Review in 1994; further understands that Gavin was then hired by the Scottish Arts Council in August 1997, going on to become head of literature for eight years before taking on his role at Creative Scotland; considers that the outpouring of tributes from the arts world demonstrates the respect and affection held for Gavin and his dedication to promoting and encouraging Scottish literature; believes that Scotland has tragically lost a passionate and able advocate of its literary culture, and passes on its condolences to Gavin’s partner, Pauline, and sons, Patrick and Alasdair.